Spotlight shone into chopper cockpit

Queenstown police have received a report of a spotlight being
shone into the cockpit of a Queenstown-based helicopter on a
night medivac mission.

Police said the incident, on Tuesday about 11pm, was in the
area between Alexandra and Bannockburn.

It temporarily endangered the aircraft by limiting the
pilot's ability to navigate using night vision goggles.

Senior sergeant John Fookes said shining lights or lasers at
aircraft endangered those on board, and was a serious
offence.

"In this area, any helicopters operating during the hours of
darkness are on medivac or search and rescue missions. The
endangering of the aircraft and occupants also jeopardises
those for whom the mission is being carried out."